LaughFest 2018: What’s that sound in the air? Not spring, but laughter

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On the dawn of its eighth year, Gilda’s LaughFest—the nation’s first-ever community-wide festival of laughter—has made the blues of late-winter a bit lighter as the citizenry (and visitors) arrive to check out the massive programming of this 10-day event.

Uniquely created by the Grand Rapids Gilda’s Club in March 2011 as a way for the community to “celebrate laughter for the health of it,” the festival features some of the biggest names in stand-up as well as a host of up-and-comers to West Michigan.

The festival looks at the many sides of laughter with performances touching on areas like improv, musical showcases, kids programming, LaughteRx panels, and of course, the art of stand-up.

Highlights of the bigger names appearing on this year’s playbill include Trevor Noah, Maria Bamford, Tiffany Haddish, Cameron Esposito, Bert Kreischer, and Anjelah Johnson. But no worries about cost at LaughFest, since many of the amazing programming at this event is free. So for those who want to venture, there is truly something for everyone.

Most of all, the proceeds raised from LaughFest supports families and friends with their cancer or grief journey through Gilda’s House Grand Rapids.

If everything holds true, we can expect folks in the area to be in a little better mood again this March…and I can clearly say, LaughFest is a big reason why.

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